Pancreatic cancer describes a few different types of cancers that start growing within the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is less common than other cancer types, accounting for about 3% of all cancers in the United States, though rates of diagnosis are on the rise.
Pancreatic cancer may present in two ways:
- Pancreatic exocrine tumors: The creation of a cancer tumor that begins in the exocrine gland and ducts of the pancreas.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET): A rarer form of pancreatic cancer that forms in the islet cells of the pancreas. The islet cells produce hormones that help manage blood sugar levels in the body.
Our accredited cancer program at Northeast Georgia Medical Center cares for approximately 3,000 new patients each year, providing patients in our community access to leading expertise, clinical trials and innovative new cancer-fighting technologies. We offer leading options to diagnose and treat endocrine cancers like pancreatic cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer can be asymptomatic or symptoms can be mild, leading to them going unnoticed, in the early stages. Sometimes people will experience fleeting stomach or back pain, particularly during or shortly after eating. As the cancer progresses, it will begin to impact the function of the pancreas, which is an important organ that helps you digest food and control your blood sugar.
You may begin to experience:
- Stomach or mid-back pain
- Nausea, gas or bloating
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- High blood sugar or sudden-onset diabetes
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Your physician may order any of the following diagnostics to determine whether an abnormality may be pancreatic cancer.
- Imaging, including ultrasound, MRI, CT scans or PET scans
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Biopsy
- Blood testing
- Genetic testing
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment at NGMC
Your care team at NGMC will help determine a custom treatment plan for pancreatic cancer, which will likely involve more than one treatment modality. The plan will depend on the location and size of the tumor, whether your cancer has spread beyond the pancreas, and your health and personal goals.
Typically, surgery is a first line of defense for cancer and one of the most effective treatment options, when it’s recommended. If the cancer has spread too far beyond the pancreas or the tumor is considered inoperable, your oncologist may not recommend surgery.
A general surgeon that specializes in hepatobiliary disease will determine the best surgical treatment. At NGMC, our surgeons can perform any of the following surgeries, offering minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery options when possible to limit pain and recovery times for patients:
- Whipple procedure – An innovative procedure performed by a highly experienced surgeon, the Whipple procedure removes the head of the pancreas and may also remove other parts of the digestive tract, as needed, to cure the cancer. Our surgeons will focus on preserving as much functionality as possible and work to reattach the digestive track to support normal digestion.
- Distal pancreatectomy – When the tumor is located at the tail of your pancreas, distal pancreatectomy may be recommended. Your surgeon will remove the tumor in the lower part of your pancreas and often the spleen as well.
- Total pancreatectomy – At times, the pancreas may need to be removed entirely to treat the cancer. Often, this form of surgery will remove other parts of the digestive tract too, like the spleen, gallbladder and part of the stomach or small intestine. Total removal of the pancreas will require changes to your eating habits and lead to the development of Type 1, or insulin-dependent, Diabetes.
Radiation therapy may be used to treat pancreatic cancer or provide palliative care for patients with pancreatic cancer by easing symptoms.
Chemotherapy is a drug that kills cancer cells. It is typically taken orally or administered via IV infusion. Chemotherapy may be recommended to help shrink cancer cells so that surgery can be successful. It may also be administered after surgery to help prevent the cancer from growing back due to cells that the surgeon couldn’t detect to remove. Finally, it may be recommended as the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
NGMC participates in national research and clinical trials to improve the quality of our care, offer unique treatment options to patients and provide the most advanced techniques available. Learn more about the current clinical trials we are participating in.
Patients who are undergoing invasive treatments for cancer may have significant rehabilitation needs as they recover. We offer a specialized cancer rehabilitation program at NGMC to meet the unique needs of cancer patients. For those whose pancreatic output is significantly damaged, our Diabetes Education Program is also here to help provide the skills and resources to manage this life-changing disease.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and confusing, both for the person diagnosed and their families. From navigating appointments with different providers to financial assistance, our patient navigation program is here to help connect patients with resources to make their journey easier. Reach out to our patient navigation program today to connect with a navigator.
Choose NGMC for Pancreatic Cancer Care
If you’re facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, NGMC offers leading care options and expertise, with wrap-around support services through research, rehabilitation, patient navigation and palliative care. With leading robotic surgery expertise through our surgical oncologists and access to our comfortable infusion suites, located close to home, we are here to support you and your family through each stage of cancer treatment.
For more information about cancer care at NGMC or to learn about support groups, please call 770-219-8815.